For many enthusiasts, the dream of classic car ownership begins in childhood. For Charlotte, that dream was realised through her late grandfather, Raymond Greenway, and his beloved MGA affectionately named Frisky after its “FSK 302” number plate. Raymond had long admired MGs, inspired by his older brother’s car during the war. It wasn’t until 1991, in retirement, that he treated himself to the MGA, a “racy retirement present” that became a defining part of the family’s story.

Launched in 1955, the MGA marked a dramatic shift for MG. Gone were the upright, pre-war lines of the T-series, replaced by a sleek, low-slung design that captured the optimism of the 1950s. Available in roadster and coupé forms, the car was praised for its handling and style, with over 100,000 produced before the model was replaced by the MGB in 1962. Originally built in 1960 for American export, which became the MGA’s biggest market, this particular MGA left the factory in Iris Blue with a white interior, a blue soft top, and whitewall tyres before being shipped to California. After three decades on the West Coast, it was re-imported, converted to right-hand drive, repainted Chariot Red, and even competed in the 1991 Monte Carlo Historic Rally winning its class. Photographs of the car in Monaco, covered with medals on its bonnet remain treasured family memories for Charlotte still to this day.

When Raymond sadly passed away in 2017, Charlotte inherited the MGA. Having grown up riding passenger with her grandfather, taking the wheel herself proved transformative, reshaping her life both personally and professionally. Already an established journalist, she began specialising in classic car stories, presenting and broadcasting, and has since made the car central to her work. Charlotte’s favourite aspect of the MGA is the way it drives, specifically how it demands complete immersion. Driving it is a fully engaging experience, one that requires focus but rewards the driver with a sense of escape from the modern world. Her grandfather once described the experience of driving roof-down as “like champagne in the air,” a phrase that perfectly captures the character of the car.

Frisky’s adventures have certainly been extensive. With her father, Charlotte has tackled some of the UK’s most challenging mountain passes, including Hardknott in the Lake District and Bealach na Bà in the Highlands, before embarking on international journeys. In 2022, the pair drove 6,000 miles to Nordkapp, the northernmost point of Europe, scattering some of her grandfather’s ashes at the “top of the world.” Covering nine countries in 20 days, it was a true baptism of fire for the car’s first overseas trip.

Charlotte’s approach to road trips is built around preparation and flexibility. For anyone looking to embark on their own road trip she recommends leaving plenty of time, avoiding over-packed itineraries, and being open to discovery along the way. Accommodation is often booked day by day to allow for detours, scenic stops, or unexpected roads worth exploring. The MGA is always well-equipped for long journeys, carrying spare parts, fluids, maps, and even thermal waterproof overalls should circumstances require an overnight stay in the car. Technology such as sat-nav is balanced with paper maps, as remote locations often lack signal. For Charlotte, this balance between organisation and spontaneity is what makes classic road trips so rewarding.

Most recently, Charlotte and her father embarked on a London to Edinburgh drive using Sustain Fuel, aiming to prove that carbon-neutral fuels can offer a greener future for classic motoring. The journey has taken them across motorways, mountain passes and long inclines, with the MGA running smoothly and more efficiently than expected. Along the way, they have refuelled at some notable stops including Panache Classics, Knockhill, and The Motorist, where the team welcomed them mid-route with a fresh tank. Encounters with fellow enthusiasts have underlined the community spirit behind this tour. For Charlotte and her father one noticeable difference of the sustainable fuel has been the cleaner nature of the fuel, leaving their clothes and cabin far less infused with the usual “old car” smell of such long-distance runs.

Future plans for the MGA certainly are no less ambitious. Charlotte is considering a tour through the Alps, potentially retracing the route the car followed in its 1991 rally-winning campaign before climbing into the mountains. She is keen for her road trips to carry purpose whether that be through advocacy for sustainable fuels or by raising money for charities, as she has done in the past with endurance challenges.

Currently pregnant with her first child, Charlotte is also mindful of the bigger picture. For her, demonstrating that classics can run on cleaner fuels is about securing their place on the road for future generations, while also contributing positively to broader conversations about sustainability. The MGA remains central to that mission. A car that began as her grandfather’s retirement toy has become the driving force behind her career, her adventures, and her passion for ensuring that classic motoring has a meaningful future.

Car Facts:

Make: MG
Model: MGA Roadster
Year: 1960
Engine: 1.6 4-cylinder
BHP: 79.5 (from factory)
Top speed: 105mph
0–62mph: 13,3 seconds
Weight: approx. 900kg
Additional modifications: Converted to right-hand drive in the 1990s and resprayed Chariot Red